The Short and Curlies (1987)
This 'short' film is good fun - mainly because of Alison Steadman's performance as a wheezy hairdresser who says things like 'that's gorgeous Joy' a lot. In fact this is one of those instances where you have to do a MLFCI (Mike Leigh Film Character Impression) and say 'That's gorgeous Joy' at every available opportunity - much to the chagrin of your partner. Probably.
I used to have a video of 'Life is Sweet' and this film was on there too - I don't know where you'd get it now.
High Hopes (1988)
This film is pretty much about Socialism and how it's, well, 'high hopes' take a knock in the real world. In my mind it's kind of the last of the old school Mike Leigh films.
It's pretty good - the character of Valerie rather brings back memories of Beverley from Abigail's Party - another Mike Leigh monster who strides across a cringe inducing party scene. The couple at the centre of the story are sweet - these devoted couples surrounded by chaos and lunacy are rather a Mike Leigh motif - right up to 'Another Year' (2010)
Life is Sweet (1990)
This is where it all starts coming together. The social awkwardness, the sadness, the longing, the silliness, the sex, the dirt, the joy. For a long time this was not just my favourite Mike Leigh film but my favourite film per se.
The more stylised performances, like those of Timothy Spall and Jane Horrocks (pictured) serve the story well and are genuinely funny in a 'Nuts in May' kind of way. In fact everything about Aubrey (Spall) makes me laugh - he has just opened a restaurant called 'The Regret Rien' and intends to serve dishes such as 'prawns in jam' and 'duck in chocolate sauce'. He plays the drums badly. And he says things like 'I wanna fuck you, Wendy' when he's drunk.
But the film is basically about a family - a family with problems and secrets who argue and fight but basically love each other. There is another wonderful performance from Alison Steadman as Wendy - she makes you laugh and cry in this film. Oh - how do I love thee 'Life is Sweet' - shall I count the ways?
Certainly Leigh's best film to this point by a country mile the whole thing is a joy from start to finish and I think you should watch it, basically.
'Aubrey's in a coma, he doesn't want chips...'
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